House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

In the near future, I intend to introduce a resolution urging Congress to pass the Synthetic Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act.

The United States is facing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid often made in Chinese laboratories, is entering the United States through the U.S. mail because of a loophole in federal shipping law. This drug, which can be 40 times more potent than heroin, can kill a person with only a pinch.

Unlike private parcel carriers, such as Fed Ex, the U.S. Postal Service does not require electronic customs data – such as a package’s origin, destination and contents – to be sent in advance by the nation of origin. The STOP Act would close this loophole in federal law by requiring this vital data to be sent electronically in advance for packages coming through the U.S. mail. This would allow customs officials and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents to seize packages of illegal drugs, preventing them from reaching American consumers.

Please join me in urging Congress to pass the STOP Act so that we can reduce the influx of foreign-made synthetic drugs.